Keiron is new champ (From Barry And District News)

Keiron is new champ

A BARRY schoolboy has boxed his way to the top - and is the new British Champion.

Keiron Harding is only 14, but he is already proving a force to be reckoned with.

The Ysgol Bro Morgannwg pupil travelled to Liverpool with his coach, Neil Munn of the Penarth Amateur Boxing Club, to compete in the Four Nations tournament.

Drawn to fight the English and Irish champions, Keiron, of Field View Close, Penarth, gave his all, to come away with the ultimate accolade.

Neil is thrilled with his student's success. He told the News: "Keiron was understandably nervous, as this was the first time he has fought opponents at this level. But in his first fight, he came out strongly, and boxed so hard that Nigel Hallsey, the English champion, threw in the towel within one minute of the second round.

"The Irish contender, John Connors, put up more of a battle. They were evenly matched in height and strength and both have unbeaten records."

Neil added: "Keiron was up against it. Even though he won the first round, he came back to his corner bruised. But we had a good, hard talk and I told him to go forward when he could, then switch the punches to the body. He came out fighting like a true pro.

"John was feeling the effects of Keiron's blows, and was starting to slow. By now, both boys were very tired. By the third round, they had fought each other to a standstill.

"When the bell went, Keiron just wanted to know - had he won? I was so sure he had, but when he stood next to the referee, and he lifted Keiron's hand as the Four Nations Champion, it was fantastic.

"John was a strong opponent and put up a good fight. But I am so proud of Keiron. He deserves everything he gets because he trains like a champion."

If Keiron achieves the same level next year, he will be old enough to qualify for the European Championships, which will make him eligible to go forward to the 2008 Olympic Games.